Box Score 1 |
Box Score 2
The Pioneers dropped Game 1 but came back strong in Game 2 to salvage a split vs. HAAC-leader Central Methodist on Saturday. In Game 1, CMU took the lead in the top of the third after rallying for 3 runs. MNU answered with 2 runs in the bottom of the inning, but the Eagles scored 2 more in the fifth and 3 in the sixth to take an 8-3 lead. A 2-run homer from Drika Asano in the seventh cut into the deficit, but the Pioneers fell 8-5. Asano (2-4, R, HR, 3 RBI) and
Tianna George (1-3, 2 RBI, Sac) led the offense.
In Game 2, the Pioneers faced defending HAAC Pitcher of the Year Aubrey Utley and were held scoreless until Drika Asano's solo homer gave MNU a 1-0 lead in the third inning.
Katie Williams did the same in the fourth, and MNU starter
Taylor Pearcy held the CMU bats quiet until 1 run scored in the sixth. The Pioneers rallied for 3 runs in the fifth to take a 5-0 lead, and
Vanessa Arandules sealed it with a 2-run shot in the sixth to give MNU a 7-1 victory. Pearcy struck out 3 in 6 innings for her 6th victory. And
Lynsey Keith (2-4, 2 R, 2B),
Vanessa Arandules (4-4, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI), Drika Asano (4-4, 2 R, 2B, HR, 2 RBI), and
Katie Williams (2-4, R, HR, 2 RBI) had 12 of MNU's 15 hits.
The Pioneers are 16-10 (4-2 HAAC). The next game is a double header at home vs. Peru State (11-19, 6-4) at 4:00.
